From the helm

In our early planning we always considered that the Perth 2011 Worlds would effectively start on October 1.

We were wrong, because it actually happened a week earlier - marked by the arrival of the first international competitors to start training on the waters off Fremantle. The Japanese 470 Men’s and Women’s teams last week began familiarising themselves with local wind and sea conditions.

With the Weymouth Olympic test event now behind us the sailing world is solely focused on Perth 2011. In fact, the British team, as host nation and therefore already guaranteed a place in London 2012, have jumped the gun by  announcing 11 members of the British sailing team, led by triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie.

For other countries, the Worlds also determine which Olympic events they will contest. Many of the national teams have decided that they will make their national Olympic sailing team selections based solely on their athletes’ results in Perth. 

Here in Perth, the preparations are now in full swing for both the sailing competition and the 16-day cultural festival that will start with a keynote concert by the iconic rock band INXS and continue with a terrific programme of attractions, theatre, art, music and a celebration of all things sailing.

This week we are opening the Centre of the Worlds which will be the information and official merchandise outlet at 47 Mews Road, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.  Visitors are encouraged to drop in to learn more about the World Championships or book tickets for spectator boats or Endeavour Day Sails.

I have just returned from Geraldton where HMB Endeavour is berthed ahead of its next leg to Fremantle. I was delighted at the wonderful condition she is in and I know that those who take the opportunity to sail in her or enjoy a Great Cabin Dinner will never forget the experience.

Perth 2011 will be a memorable experience for sailors, residents and visitors alike.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL SAILORS ARRIVE IN PERTH

The first international sailors have arrived in Fremantle to train on local waters ahead of the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

Four Japanese sailors competing in 470 events arrived in Perth last week and have been training in a variety of conditions off their base at the Fremantle Sailing Club.

Skipper Ai Kondo and her crew Wakako Tabata will start the Women's 470 event in Perth on a high after winning the gold medal from 22 boats in the London Olympic sailing test event at Weymouth in August.

Also training off Fremantle are the Japanese Men's 470 crew of Ryunosuke Harada (skipper) and Yugo Yoshida.

Both crews are practising under the keen eye of Japan's head sailing coach, Kazunori Komatsu, who sailed in four Olympic Games in Solings and 470s.

"Perth 2011 is important for all our crews because it's both a contest for selection for Japan's Olympic team and for the World Championship itself," Komatsu said.

The two Japanese crews will train off Fremantle until they return to Japan on October 8 to compete in a local regatta and then take part in the Sail Melbourne regatta in November

INXS FOR WORLDS FESTIVAL

International rock superstars INXS will launch the Perth 2011 Worlds Festival with a one-off show in Fremantle.

INXS will play the ticketed concert presented by Zaccaria and North Street Productions with Special Guests Grinspoon on Saturday 3 December in the Perth 2011 Worlds Village on Esplanade Park.

This is the first opportunity for fans to meet the new front man of INXS, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Ciaran Gribbin.

The major festival attraction coincides with the first day of competition in the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

The INXS concert is the only ticketed event of the Worlds Festival, which features a diverse mix of more than 250 free activities and events that include the best of West Australian and international artists and contributors.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.
 

ISAF ROLEX WORLD SAILOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEES HEADING FOR PERTH 2011

Several of this year’s nominees for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2011, sailing’s highest award, are likely to be stars of the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships in December.

Australia’s Nathan Outteridge, who will compete at Perth 2011 in the 49er with Iain Jensen, has been nominated for outstanding achievements in numerous classes from dinghies to keelboats, including the title of 2011 International Moth World Champion.  Outteridge posted top 12 finishes at no fewer than five different Class World Championships.

Other outstanding nominees expected to compete at Perth 2011 in December are:

Ben Ainslie of Great Britain, Match Racing World Champion and ISAF Sailing World Cup Champion.

Anna Tunnicliffe of the USA, ISAF Sailing World Cup Champion in Women’s Match Racing. Tunnicliffe and her teammates Molly Vandemoer and Debbie Capozzi are expected to be serious contenders in the Women’s Match Racing event in December.

Iker Martinez and Xabier Fernandez of Spain have won three world championship titles in the 49er and are the current 49er World Champions.  They have two Olympic medals.

The competition between Martinez and Fernandez and Outteridge and Jensen in the 49er at Perth 2011 is likely to be a highlight.

Hottest party this summer - don't miss it!

Joining the Perth 2011 Crew Club gives you a unique opportunity to meet and party with Olympic and World Champion sailors at the Worlds Beach Party during the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

Only Crew Club Members can secure an invitation to the Worlds Beach Party at Salt on the Beach Restaurant and Bar on Sunday 11 December.

As well as the international sailors who are competing for ten World Championship titles in Perth, you will meet our special guest, Elise Rechichi, who won a gold medal in the Women’s 470 at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games with Fremantle’s Tessa Parkinson.

Crew Club members have unlimited access to their own Crew Club viewing area during the Worlds and will be treated to Happy Hour specials on each of the 16 days of competition. And there's more…Crew Club members also receive a limited edition Perth 2011 t-shirt, cap, belt and a Zhik voucher worth $30. You will also receive a Crew Club keyring which will give you access to grandstand seats for members only on Centre Course and Inner Harbour Course for all 16 days of racing.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of the Perth 2011 Crew.

DATE:  Sunday 11 December
TIME:  7.00 PM UNTIL LATE
VENUE:  SALT ON THE BEACH RESTAURANT & BAR
Membership Price : $240 inc GST

PERTH 2011 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME HITS THE NEWS-STANDS

Check with your local newsagent in mid-October for the newly published Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships Official Programme.

It is jam packed with information about The Worlds and has a great series of articles on Olympic class sailing, the athletes to watch in Perth and the boats they will be sailing.

Thanks to our partners at Faircount Media for their efforts on their fabulous publication. 

AN EXTRAORDINARY VENUE FOR YOUR FUNCTION THIS DECEMBER

An extraordinary venue for your function this December

The Inner Circle Clubhouse at Bathers Bay in Fremantle will be a fabulous and unique built space set over the sea with a large balcony and glass windows overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Imagine enjoying a delightful breakfast, lunch, cocktail reception or dinner function with clients or staff members perched above the glittering waters of Bathers Bay in Fremantle. During day-time functions, guests have the chance to watch Olympic yachts jostling for position in the famous Fremantle Doctor sea breeze. Thrills and spills aplenty... that’s a guarantee!

Beaumonde Catering (winner of corporate caterer of the year 2010 & 2011) will be catering for events in this amazing venue from Saturday 3 - 17 December during the World Championships.

Please call Mark Dimmit at Beaumonde Catering on 9377 2947 or email mdimmitt@beaumondecatering.com.au to book your event in this wonderful marquee.

THE CENTRE OF THE WORLDS Opens!

Perth 2011’s merchandising and information outlet, the CENTRE OF THE WORLDS, is opening its doors to the public on Wednesday 5 October at 11am.

Located at 47 Mews Road, right next to the Esplanade in Fremantle, it is a prime location for any visitor wishing to get general information on the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships. The Centre of the Worlds will be selling the entire range of Perth 2011 merchandise as well as taking bookings for Endeavour Day Sails, the Spectator Boat Programme and our three Perth 2011 memberships – the John Bertrand Club, the Gold Medal Club and the Crew Club.

THE SWAP IT, DON'T STOP IT CAMPAIGN

The Australian National Preventive Health Agency’s Swap It, Don’t Stop It campaign is heading into its second phase. It encourages Australians to live a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of chronic disease by thinking like swappers! It shows you that you don’t have to give up all the things you love, all you have to do is swap a few things.

A waistline of over 80 cm for women and over 94 cm for men can increase your risk of some chronic diseases. However, healthy eating and getting active can help you lose centimetres from your waistline and prevent or delay the onset of some chronic diseases.

The national campaign, spearheaded by a blue balloon man named Eric, shows people ‘how’ to make positive changes to live a healthier lifestyle. Key advice includes swap big for small (portion control), swap often for sometimes (occasional treats), swap sitting for moving (physical activity) or swap watching for playing (physical activity).

Here are some simple everyday changes you can make to help get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle:

•  Swap fizzy drinks and fruit drinks for water.
•  Swap the car for the bike.
•  Swap the lift or escalator for the stairs.
•  Swap frying foods for steaming or grilling.
•  Swap watching sport for playing sport.
•  Swap main size portions for entrée size with extra vegetables when eating out.
•  Swap a cheese platter for a fresh fruit platter.
•  Swap creamy sauces for a tomato or vegetable sauce.
•  Swap driving for walking part of the way.

For more healthy swaps to incorporate into your everyday life – at home, at work or out shopping - visit this website australia.gov.au/swapit or download the free iPhone app today.

BRITISH SAILORS FIRST CHOSEN FOR LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES

Some of Great Britain's top sailors are the first British athletes to be officially selected to compete for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie heads the list of 11 athletes including Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson (Star), Paul Goodison (Laser), Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw (RS:X), Lucy Macgregor, Annie Lush and Kate Macgregor (Women's Match Racing), Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills (Women's 470).

All are expected to be in Perth in December.

ATHLETE TO WATCH - NICK THOMPSON (GBR) LASER

Nick Thompson was born in Southampton, close to the venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games sailing competition.

His father took him cruising around the Solent when he was only two years old and he got to helm on his own aged 4 on his local pond.  He hasn't looked back.

Thompson was Optimist European Champion in 1999, Radial Youth European Champion in 2002 and ISAF Youth Worlds Laser Champion in 2005.

Like so many in the Great Britain team, his aim is to win an Olympic gold medal in his own country.  He is currently ranked number one in the world.

He doesn't underestimate the effort it will take to achieve his Olympic dream.  "Everybody in the fleet is capable of achieving a top finish.  However, only a few seem to be able to put a complete regatta together.

sponsor offer of the month

Thanks to Peet Limited, Australia's largest specialist residential property developer and leading land syndicator, you could be taking to the water for the best view of the ISAF Sailing World Championships in December.

Imagine being almost close enough to catch the spray as the world's very best sailors vie for championship glory and the right to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Peet is offering you the chance to win one of four double VIP passes on the Ocean Spirit II - a VIP afternoon spectator boat experience taking in the exciting action off Fremantle - with full hospitality - on Saturday 17 December.

As a special guest of Peet you will experience the Star medal race on Centre Course and, weather permitting, take in the best of the 49ers, Laser, Women's 470 and Men's RS:X.

You will have the chance to learn about Peet's outstanding land syndicate opportunities and how you can join thousands of retail investors and some of Australa's most respected institutional investors by investing in the next Peet syndicate opportunity.

More than half of Peet's master planned residential communities around Australia are being managed and marketed on behalf of syndicate investors who share in the success of each individual community with investments from just $5,000.

To learn more - and for your chance to be a VIP spectator at the ISAF Sailing World Championships on 17 December - visit peet.com.au/win by Monday 21 November 2011.

MIDDLETONS TAKES TO THE SWAN RIVER

As exclusive legal services providers and gold sponsors of the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, Middletons' partners Adam Levine and Simon Salter recently had the opportunity to treat some of their clients to an afternoon on the Swan River.

Taking to the water for the competitive Royal Perth Yacht Club Wednesday afternoon races, the crew was onboard a Beneteau First 40.
 
"It was a spectacular day of racing on the Swan River under clear blue skies," said Simon Salter. "Our clients thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and the opportunity to network in a relaxed environment."

Middletons' crew included executives from BC Iron, GGA Mining, Strike Energy and Argonaut Capital who were able to meet and sail with bronze sponsor, Shacks Holden, the provider of all vehicles for the two week event in Fremantle during December.

Experience Extraordinary - Cape to Cape MTB

Cape to Cape MTB is a four day mountain bike race through the South West region of Western Australia, defined by Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in the north.

Set to an iconic backdrop of world famous surf beaches, private farmlands, rocky outcrops and national forests, the event is fun and challenging for riders of all levels, from recreational to competitive.

Attracting an anticipated 700 riders, the field will comprise more than 100 elite riders from around Australia.The Cape to Cape MTB will be held from 20 – 23 October 2011 in Western Australia’s Margaret River region.

Australia’s South West is renowned for its wide range of tourist attractions and the Margaret River region certainly has more than its share. Visitors to the region can enjoy a smorgasbord of fine food and wine, world-class surfing and swimming beaches, majestic karri forests and an abundance of outdoor activities that make the most of the spectacular natural scenery.

Why not combine a trip to the famous Margaret River region with this Extraordinary sporting event this October?

For more information click here.

That first Tuesday in November

Feel trackside at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle with entertainment, sweepstakes, live broadcast, exciting prizes and fashion parades.

Join us in the Atrium Garden Restaurant on Tuesday, 1 November 2011 from 11am until 3pm with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.

For $99.50 you can indulge in a sumptuous Melbourne Cup themed buffet including a decadent dessert selection featuring a chocolate fountain and a four hour beverage package while select Emirates Western Force players sign autographs.

You can also enter the draw on the day to win a silver Kailis Pearl Bracelet valued at $695 and some fantastic prizes and giveaways, as well as awards for the best dressed.

Bookings are essential.

For more information or reservations and prepayments, please telephone 9432 4802, email fbs@ehf.com.au or visit www.esplanadehotelfremantle.com.au.